…Flags Off 2026 State Sports Festival
By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Three Akwa Ibom athletes who won medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, namely gold medallist Edidiong Umoafia and silver medallist Ruth Nyong, both in weightlifting, as well as bronze medallist Enku Ekuta in judo, have been honoured by Governor Umo Eno.
Governor Eno who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi said that his administration would continue to reward professional excellence to serve as a moral boasters to others.
At the ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Eno also flagged off the 2026 edition of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, assuring that his administration will continue to invest in sports development as a platform for discovering, nurturing and promoting sporting talents among the youths.
He described the State Sports Festival as a window for harvesting sporting talents, noting that the 2025 edition produced athletes who went on to distinguish themselves at national and international competitions.
The Governor said his administration would sustain its support for sports development, pointing out the need to create opportunities for young athletes to discover and develop their talents.
In line with the administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, Governor Eno directed the Commissioner for Sports to revive Inter-House Sports Competitions in schools across the state.
He said the competitions would provide a platform for identifying and developing new sporting stars.
“We must also invest in the future of sports. That is why I directed the Commissioner for Sports to revive Inter-House Sports Competitions. This would help us to develop and discover new stars. We should revisit the good old days.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described Governor Eno as a sports-loving Governor and commended him for approving the 2026 edition of the State Sports Festival.
Bassey recalled that the 2025 edition produced athletes who subsequently represented Nigeria at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, where they won medals.
He also lauded the Governor for granting automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the athletes in recognition of their achievements.
In goodwill messages, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, as well as Supervisors for Sports from the various Local Government Areas, pledged the support of the 31 Local Government Councils towards the success of the festival.
The opening ceremony featured march-past by contingents from the 31 Local Government Areas, led by their respective chairmen.
The festival is featuring a total of 27 events being contested by athletes representing the 31 Local Government Areas, at 10 designated venues within Uyo and its environs.
